Can you really judge a book by its cover? Well, definitely. Recently, a story appeared online about an independent book store that wrapped all its inventory in plain brown paper, without titles: only handwritten descriptions gave a clue as to what a potential reader might find in store. While this is beneficial from a purely imaginative angle, I think it does a disservice to readers everywhere. The design of a book cover — not to mention an alluring title — has thrilled generations of readers. It is a window into the soul of a book. Long live the physical, tangible experience of falling in love with a book — and its cover.

“There is no mistaking a real book when one meets it. It is like falling in love.” ― Christopher Morley